Street Scams in Montevideo, Uruguay
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Montevideo — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Buenos Aires, Lima, and Cusco.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
4
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Montevideo
How it works
In the Ciudad Vieja historic district, individuals dressed in plain clothes or partial uniform claim to be plainclothes police conducting a routine document check. They ask to inspect your wallet for counterfeit bills, then pocket cash or credit cards during the inspection. A variant involves two people — one distracts while the other handles documents and removes valuables. Uruguayan police do not conduct random street document checks of tourists in this manner.
How it works
Teams of pickpockets operate in the Mercado Agrícola, the Ciudad Vieja, and on crowded buses, using distraction techniques like shoulder-tapping or manufactured bumping.
How it works
Individuals impersonating police officers approach tourists and demand on-the-spot fines for invented infractions, flashing unofficial-looking ID.
How it works
Street vendors near bus terminals and the Buquebus ferry port sell discounted tickets to events, tours, or transport that turn out to be fake or non-refundable.
See all scams in Montevideo
10 total warnings across all categories